Students from Melton Specialist School explored identity, belonging, and self-expression through a week-long art program this month.
Running from Monday, May 5 to Thursday, May 8, the initiative titled A Window into My World united middle and senior school students with a team of multidisciplinary artists to create visual art that reflected students’ lives, communities, and personal perspectives.
A partnership with creative organisation Grand Trine Creative, the artists included musicians and storytellers Becca Hatch, Kian, and Dallas Woods; videographer and photographer Eellie Harris; creative director Dion Brownfield; and visual artist Wah Wah.
Each student designed their own ‘window’ artwork – a framed piece representing their world, interests, family, and hopes – in daily workshops that aimed to increase technical skills and confidence.
Melton Specialist School lead teacher Olivia Desormeaux said that the project “promotes student voice.”
“It’s about connecting our young people with real-world artists who can mentor and support them as they share their stories in creative and expressive ways,” Ms Desormeaux said.
Grand Trine Creative’s creative director Dion Brownfield said the purpose of the program is to “give students the freedom, confidence, and tools to enter a state of creative flow.”
“When young people are in that flow zone, they’re not just creating – they’re expressing who they are, exploring ideas deeply, and discovering their voice,” Mr Brownfield said.
“The exhibition theme, ‘Window into Your World’, creates space for fantasy and play, while also inviting students to share their truth and showcase their identity,” he said.
The student works created in the initiative were displayed at a school exhibition on Friday, May 9, where families and community members were invited to experience and hear about the final pieces.
